PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob will undertake his first official visit to Bandar Seri Begawan from Feb 14-15, since assuming office on Aug 21 last year.
Wisma Putra said Ismail Sabri will have an audience with the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
"Both leaders will take stock of the progress of the ongoing cooperation and further enhance the post Covid-19 cooperation that will benefit the peoples of both countries.
"This, among others, would include discussions on the proposed establishment of the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) arrangement by air, cooperation on health diplomacy, and promotion of closer economic cooperation," it said in a statement on Sunday (Feb 13).
The meeting will be followed by an official luncheon hosted by His Majesty. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to meet the Malaysian diaspora in Bandar Seri Begawan.
The statement said that Ismail Sabri will be accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Muhaini Zainal Abidin, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah, Senior Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim and senior government officials.
Wisma Putra said the visit would be conducted in full compliance with the strict health and safety protocols put in place by the governments of Brunei and Malaysia.
Among matters to be discussed during his visit are a proposal to establish a vaccinated travel lane (VTL) by air between Malaysia and Brunei.
Malaysian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Datuk Raja Reza Raja Zaib Shah said the visit would also provide opportunities for both countries to discuss bilateral issues and cooperation as well as explore new cooperation post-Covid-19.
Also on the table are cooperation in the field of health diplomacy and promotion of closer economic cooperation, he said in a media press conference with Malaysian journalists here today.
Ismail Sabri, who is scheduled to arrive in Bandar Seri Begawan at 8.20pm Monday, will be given an official welcoming ceremony by Brunei Crown Prince Pengiran Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah, representing the government of Brunei Darussalam.
On Tuesday, Ismail Sabri and the Malaysian delegation are scheduled to have an audience with Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah before both leaders sit for a four-eyed meeting. The prime minister and his entourage will then be feted at an official dinner ceremony.
Raja Reza said during the two-day visit, the Prime Minister is also scheduled to attend a tea event with the Malaysian diaspora in Brunei, which, taking into account the current Covid-19 situation, will be held with strict compliance of standard operating procedures enforced in the country.
He said there are almost 25,000 Malaysians living in Brunei, including students and professionals.
On trade between the two countries, he said last year, total trade between Malaysia and Brunei was RM8.03bil, up 70.4% from RM4.71bil in 2020.
"Malaysia is the fourth largest trading partner for Brunei Darussalam," he said, adding that Malaysia exports more goods to Brunei, including petroleum and food products.
Ismail Sabri's official visit to Brunei is the first since he was appointed prime minister last August and it symbolises the government's commitment to strengthening existing special ties between the two countries. – Bernama
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